Thomas A. Gervasi

Thomas A. Gervasi Thomas A. Gervasi, passed away on Dec. 3, 2013, in Sarasota, Fla. He was predeceased by his parents, Josephine (Catalfo) Gervasi and Gaetano (Thomas) Gervasi. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Elaine (Tschetter) Gervasi; daughters, Debora (Matthew) Jamison of Oakley, Calif. and Lori (Hon. Richard) Keenan of Pittsford; son, David T. (Kathleen) Gervasi of Fayetteville, N.Y.; daughter, Janine (Kevin) Vascukynas of Irondequoit; grandchildren, Matthew (Jamie Adams) Keenan, Christopher Keenan, Nicholas Gervasi, Sarah Gervasi, SN Zachary Jamison USN, Jacqueline Jamison and Tyler Jamison; brothers, Michael (Catina) Gervasi of Rochester and Mario (Merrill) Gervasi of Copiague, N.Y.; sister, Angeline (Richard) Bater of Williamsville, N.Y.; "younger brother"/cousin, Richard Catalfo; and several cousins, nieces and nephews. Upon his graduation from Benjamin Franklin High School in 1954, Tom enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. While serving with the Corps at Camp Lejeune, N.C., he and 80-plus fellow Marines were unknowingly exposed to contaminated water filled with toxic chemicals. Later, many of the men and their offspring contracted breast, bone and lung cancers, as well as other blood disorders directly linked to this highly-contaminated water. After his discharge, he worked in a family aluminum business as a salesman/installer. In 1964, he joined the Town of Irondequoit Police Department and rose through the ranks, retiring in 1985 as a senior investigator. He joined the Monroe County District Attorney's office as a violent felony investigator; retired in 2001 and moved to Sarasota. Tom worked at the Wedgewood Condominiums in the Meadows doing light maintenance and gardening. He also enjoyed working security in the visiting team's dugout during spring training at Ed Smith Stadium where he met many pro ballplayers, including members of his beloved New York Yankees. The family wishes to thank Dr. Richard H. Buck and the staff of the Florida Cancer Specialists for 11 years of care, the caregivers and staff of Tidewell Hospice, as well as first responders. Donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project and Tidewell Hospice. A funeral Mass was celebrated in Sarasota. Interment will be in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Rochester, NY. A celebration of Tom's life will be held later in Rochester at the convenience of the family.